9 presents Priori as a producer who does not merely cite dub, but carries it forward as a matter of course. Both minimalist and space-filling at once, the record embodies, in a timeless and unruffled way, dub’s characteristic play with space and modulation. A brief excursion through Priori’s previous releases makes it clear that the Montreal-based DJ and producer does not shy away from venturing into different musical territories – and making them sound excellent in the process. Alongside IDM, breaks, house, techno and ambient, his latest record for Kynant Records can very much be placed within the realm of dub.
Like an advance cherry on the cake, »Nesting Chamber« opens with the rough vocals of Gavin Blair, aka Gavsborg – a track shaped by dark delays and the immersive voice of Unkle G. While »Isolation Dub« sustains the tension, with coarse-grained chords fluttering inside a dome of bright atmosphere, »9« and »Somewhere Divine« restore contact with the ground and the dancefloor: forceful, precise basslines, dubwise percussion and samples reminiscent of high-voltage installations all but cry out for a well-balanced soundsystem. Given the steadily increasing spread of audiophile sound systems across clubs and festivals – and the accompanying return of dub – that should pose no problem. Then again, with a production this well rendered, home listening does the job too.
9
